Fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello steps onto the Oscars red carpet as a nominated producer, reflecting on his journey and the significance of his film ‘Emilia Pérez’.
Fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, finds himself in a unique position as he prepares for the Academy Awards, where he will be walking the red carpet as an Oscar-nominated producer. At 43 years of age, Vaccarello’s dual role as a renowned fashion influencer and a burgeoning film producer highlights his multifaceted talents. His brand’s film studio, Saint Laurent Productions, is currently in the spotlight with the film “Emilia Pérez,” which has garnered an impressive thirteen Academy Award nominations, marking a significant milestone for a non-English film.
Vaccarello spoke from Paris, where he was putting the finishing touches on Saint Laurent’s women’s Fall 2025 collection, set to show on March 11. “Yes, I do look forward to attending the Oscars,” he remarked, acknowledging this as his first experience at the ceremony, despite his history of attending various associated parties in Los Angeles. He expressed pride over the unprecedented number of nominations for “Emilia Pérez,” stating, “Thirteen — that’s exceptional for any producer, whether a film veteran or someone relatively new to the industry, like me.”
The significance of this Oscars event is not lost on Vaccarello, who acknowledged that this is the first time a luxury brand and its producer are being recognized in this manner. “Whatever happens that night, it’s already quite meaningful to be part of a history-making project,” he conveyed, showing a rare vulnerability for someone often described as modest.
His film studio made its debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with “Emilia Pérez” alongside other auteur-driven productions such as Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope” and David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds,” which is set to release on April 18. At Cannes, “Emilia Pérez” won the festival’s Jury Prize, and Vaccarello celebrated the achievement with director Jacques Audiard and the film’s female cast, who collectively received the best actress award.
Vaccarello described his journey into film production as a rewarding risk despite its unusual nature. He highlighted that while he has been involved in the film industry through smaller projects since joining Saint Laurent in 2016, his current focus lies in producing stories that resonate on a universal level. “These were smaller, fashion-focused projects; now we’re telling universal stories with a wider set of directors,” he elaborated.
The designer’s passion for cinema is evident in his selection of film projects and collaborations with established filmmakers, showcasing the cinematic influences that have shaped his artistic vision. Notably, he included legendary directors Pedro Almodóvar, David Cronenberg, Abel Ferrara, and Jim Jarmusch in his 2023 Saint Laurent campaign, reflecting their significant impact on his aesthetic.
Vaccarello takes a hands-on approach, crafting costumes for the films his studio produces. He emphasized the importance of aligning the designs with the directors’ visions, which he describes as critical to the storytelling process. His recent work on “Emilia” features distinct costumes that enhance character portrayals, such as Selena Gomez’s fur coat and Zoe Saldana’s sleek red power suit.
As the Oscars approach, Vaccarello finds his plate full with numerous scripts and pitches that align with the artistic vision of Saint Laurent Productions. Known for his quiet confidence, he shuns the limelight that often accompanies high-profile events like the Oscars, preferring to let his creative works speak for themselves. “It’s not my nature,” he remarked regarding future red carpet appearances. “If another film we co-produce is up for 13 Oscars, of course I’ll be there, but otherwise, you won’t see me on the red carpet.”
Vaccarello’s approach to both fashion and film echoes a broader narrative of confidence and self-expression, themes intricately woven into the fabric of Saint Laurent’s identity. As he prepares to celebrate his achievements at the Oscars, the fashion industry will be watching closely to see how this creative journey continues to unfold.
Source: Noah Wire Services
